I’ve used the #12 STX Turboforce 3000 for the last four years, and just bought the #12 LEM Big Bite grinder. So far pretty impressed with the differences. Before putting the Turboforce away, I took several part comparison photos. For those considering either of them, the difference in part construction (even shape and size) is pretty significant. If there’s interest I’m happy to post the photos, but here’s a summary:

• the TF is #12, but the feed tube tapers smaller to where it enters the tube with the auger. The auger tube is also smaller at that point, and tapers larger towards the exit where the #12 plates are, with most widening right at the plate. The LEM is the same width all the way through.

• the LEM auger is significantly longer and wider… which makes sense given the wider feed tube and auger tube.

• the auger and tube weight is 2lb for the TF and 6.5lb for the LEM. The TF tube is aluminum, which is a big difference, but the huge difference in diameter is a big contributor as well.

• the feed tray on the TF is at least 30% smaller, and doesn’t fit as well to the tube. This would cause meat to get caught in the joint sometimes, or the tray to start to fall off in the middle of a grind

• the buttons on the TF are not covered in a plastic bubble or anything… this makes cleaning around them after toggling them with “meat hands” kinda tricky

• the TF claims 3000W “peak power,” but lists no wattage on the tag. 3000W at 120V would be… 25 amps. 4 horsepower. Clearly misleading. The LEM claims 0.75hp and 550W - that computes, and would be around 4.5 amps - much more realistic.

• the LEM doesn’t have a reverse. I’ve found it useful in the past, will find out whether I miss it soon enough.

• the TF plunger is hollow, thin plastic. I’ve had it bend while pushing cold meat through on several occasions. The LEM one is solid, hard plastic - that won’t be a problem

• the TF comes with carbon steel plates… they can rust, and I replaced them all with stainless years ago. It comes with more plate sizes than the LEM out of the box, but the LEM ones are stainless.

• the TF comes with more filling tubes and tools - 3 sausage sizes and some for making middle eastern foods which I never got around to trying. LEM comes with two sausage ones. Since I use a separate stuffer, that’s fine.

• obvious difference - the LEM feed/grind/output is all stainless, while the TF is cast aluminum. Will be nice to be able to throw the LEM in the dishwasher if I want to (the aluminum would badly corrode… yes, found out the hard way once).

Anyway, I have photos of all of the above. Hoping to put the LEM to use later this weekend. Obviously you expect better for over 3x the price when it comes to construction, but I was surprised at the much smaller tube diameter of the TF for much of the processing length.